University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2005
- Class:
- 1956
David Bartley is the only University of Massachusetts graduate to become the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, a position he held for seven years. He was a member of the House of Representatives for 13 years, elected first in 1963. During the period he was the Speaker, he used his power to greatly enhance and further the causes of the University and its athletics department.
In addition to his service to the University, Bartley played basketball while an undergraduate. As a junior in the 1954-55 season, he averaged 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. As a senior in 1955-56, he averaged 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. That season, UMass finished 17-6 overall and 5-1 in the Yankee Conference. His career numbers were 6.5 points per game, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
Bartley graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts in Government in 1956 and followed that up with a Master's of Education in 1961 and a Doctorate of Education in 1988 from the University of Massachusetts. After retiring from the House in 1975, he became President of Holyoke Community College, a post he held for 28 years until 2003. In 1982 and 1983, he was the Executive Secretary of Administration and Finance for then Governor King.
